asked the Minister of Transport what further studies are being undertaken into the traffic induced by the extensive construction of off-street car parks in town centres and its relation to the capacity of existing roads and anticipated improvements, in the light of the problems discussed in the Buchanan Report.

The Joint Urban Planning Group is examining the rôle of off-street car parks in relation to urban traffic. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government and I hope to issue shortly a planning bulletin to local authorities on parking in town centres.

Does the Minister agree that this is absolutely crucial in any regulation of traffic in planned cities, to the extent that a complete reversal of policy may be required, especially in the inclusion of parking space in new buildings? Will he push forward this research as quickly as possible so that a formula can be decided upon which can be adhered to?

We will do this as quickly as possible, but the aim is to get an overall parking policy which comprises the restriction of on-street parking together with the provision of off-street parking, in such a way that the best use of the streets is obtained for moving traffic. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that we shall press on with that as fast as we can.